by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Having previously played Billy the Kid, Audie Murphy assumes the role of Jesse James in Kansas Raiders. The plot finds Jesse and his brother Frank (Richard Long), together with the Younger Brothers (James Best, John Kellogg and Tony Curtis -- yes, Tony Curtis) joining Quantrill's Raiders. Idolizing Quantrill (Brian Donlevy), Jesse believes that his hero's mission -- to save the Confederacy by sacking Kansas -- is just. Only when it is too late does Jesse discover that Quantrell is little more than a bloodthirsty mercenary. The James and Younger Brothers are depicted as innocent dupes of a madman, which isn't surprising considering how often Hollywood has whitewashed Jesse and Frank in other films.
characteristics
- Pillage
- Plunder
- Questioning [police Interrogation]
- Outlaw [Western]
- One-against-odds
- Mentor
- Munitions
- Raid
- Rifle
- War
- Weapons
- Thief
- Theft
- Robber
- Shoot-out
